In Memory of Anna Clutterbuck-Cook

About Anna

On January 30, 2023, Anna Clutterbuck-Cook, beloved wife, daughter, sister, niece and friend, died from complications of cancer. She had been treated for cancer for two years with fairly good results but recently her doctors realized her treatments were no longer effective. After consulting with her care team and family, she decided her best option was palliative care and her only remaining wish was to be at home.

Hospice was able to bring Anna home two days later and she was visibly relieved to be in her own bed, with her wife Hanna and her cats, surrounded by all the familiar things she loved. We were so grateful that all our immediate family members were able to be with Anna when she died. She was not heavily medicated and was present—conscious and aware—until the very end.

Anna had clearly been thinking about end-of-life issues for two years. She was both clear-eyed about what was happening and, while sad, remarkably free of regret. She told her palliative care team she was sad but couldn’t think of anything she would change. She loved Hanna, she loved her cats, she loved where she lived, she loved her work. One of Anna's friends astutely commented, "there aren't enough words to describe how much Anna meant to those who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be remembered for being incredibly generous and supportive, often humorous and irreverent, always empathetic and compassionate." For those of us remaining, it will take a long time to learn to live in a world without our Anna.

Memorializing Anna

Anna’s preference was for no funeral or memorial service. Many people have asked about something they could do or donations they could make. Hanna's mother suggested a memorial bench in Harvard's Arnold Arboretum. The Arboretum is a 281 acre sanctuary in Boston designed by Frederick Law Olmsted as part of his "Emerald Necklace" of connecting parks in the city. When Anna and Hanna moved to their present apartment, they were delighted to find the Arboretum was literally in their backyard. They immediately began daily walks all year around in this amazing outdoor space. They posted pictures, wrote essays and would always take family and friends there when visiting. When Anna was undergoing chemotherapy, the first recovery sign from the infusions was being able to get back to the "Arb."

We all loved the idea of Anna being memorialized by one of these beautiful benches. It would be a physical reminder for Hanna and anyone else who wants to think of what Anna's time in the world meant to them. It is $10,000 to create the bench as well as ongoing fees that begin later. Our goal is to raise the initial cost but any funds beyond that would be put to the continuing fees.

Many people have reached out asking how they can support us in memorializing Anna; helping us create this space for her amongst the trees with a contribution would mean a lot to us.

In Anna's own words, "Stay safe, stay furious, practice hope."